Aim: To look at the processes and outcomes of involving consumers in identifying and prioritising research topics. This included involvement in national and regional R&D programmes in health and other areas. The goal was to find out what helps or hinders consumer involvement in agenda setting.

Method: The authors carried out a systematic literature review and interviews with consumers and research managers in the UK.

Findings/recommendations: Successful consumer involvement in research agenda setting requires appropriate skills, resources and time. Consumers are best placed to advise on how to work with them. Research programmes are advised to work with well-networked consumers and provide them with information, resources and support to consult their peers to prioritise topics. This is best done through repeated and facilitated debate.

The authors found little evidence of the impact of consumers on the research agenda. This is because records are rarely kept and the contributions made by consumers are not identified in reports from panels/committees.

Further research is required on:

the best training and support for consumers

how to tackle the barriers to involvement

comparing different methods of involvement

evaluation and identifying best practice

processes and outcomes of developing consensus with the involvement of consumers.

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Categories: health public health social care Identifying topics, prioritising and commissioning nature and extent of public involvement in research report